EPA Administrator Jackson to discuss economy's impact on environmental priorities

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson will speak on "Environmental Justice in the 21st Century, A Bipartisan Approach" in a lecture at 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall, on the Princeton University campus. Jackson, a 1986 alumna of Princeton's Graduate School, will explore the impact of the economic downturn on environmental priorities, the future of sustainability for urban youth and environmental justice. The event, which is free and open to the public, is hosted by the University's Office of the Vice President for Campus Life and the Princeton-Blairstown Center , a University affiliate that provides programs for urban youth. Jackson was nominated to lead the EPA by President Barack Obama on Dec. 15, 2008, and was confirmed by the Senate on Jan. She is the first African American to serve in the position. Jackson lists among her priorities reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, managing chemical risks, cleaning up hazardous waste sites and protecting America's water.